The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has obtained the approval of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take over and review the case file in the alleged fraud charges brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Related Commission (ICPC) against renowned constitutional lawyer, Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
Following the development, the court adjourned Ozekhome’s arraignment, earlier fixed for Monday, to February 24 to allow the Office of the Attorney-General adequate time to study the case and determine the appropriate course of action.
At the hearing, the Attorney-General formally assumed control of the prosecution and informed the court that additional time was necessary to thoroughly examine the facts and ensure that any further steps taken align with due process and the public interest.
Earlier, the ICPC’s Head of High Profile Prosecution, Dr Osuebeni Akpomesingha Akpos, announced his appearance for the commission. On the defence side, a formidable legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, and supported by 15 other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, appeared for Professor Ozekhome.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, subsequently announced his appearance on behalf of the Attorney-General and formally notified the court of the federal government’s decision to take over the prosecution pursuant to Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution.
Oyedepo explained that the takeover was intended to ensure that the prosecution meets the highest standards of efficiency, diligence, and compliance with constitutional safeguards, while also fostering effective inter-agency collaboration in the fight against corruption.
He assured the court that the rights of the defendant would be fully protected and that no party would suffer prejudice as a result of the intervention, stressing that the decision was guided strictly by public interest and the need to uphold confidence in the criminal justice system.
Counsel to the ICPC raised no objection to the development and pledged the commission’s full cooperation with the Attorney-General’s office, noting that the investigation had already been concluded.
With the consent of all parties, the presiding judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, adjourned the matter to February 24 for arraignment.
AGF Takes Over ICPC Case Against Mike Ozekhome, Arraignment Shifted to February 24
